The Bert Show

Episode: Vault: Her Ex Wants The Ring Back To Give To His New Girlfriend - Update
Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Pionaire Podcasting

Episode Overview

This episode dives into a real-life dilemma: should someone give her wedding ring back to her ex-husband, who wants to use it to propose to his new girlfriend? The conversation includes Michelle (the original caller), updates on her decision, the show's cast discussing their views, and several listener stories about recycled engagement rings. The discussion is lively, real, and peppered with the Bert Show’s trademark humor and candor.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Situation Recap (00:04 – 02:44)

• Michelle’s Ex-Husband’s Request: Michelle recounts how her ex-husband, after a year divorced and a few months into dating a new girlfriend, requested his old wedding ring back to use for a new proposal.

  • She says: “Having a conversation with him is like pulling teeth... I want to give it to her for Christmas.” (01:41)
  • Michelle points out logistical issues: the wedding and engagement bands are welded together, and her kids would recognize the ring.

• Hosts’ Reactions:

  • Amusement and disbelief at the ex’s audacity.
  • D (panelist) considers it “no problem” but “weird.”
  • Others can’t imagine reusing such a sentimental item, even if under financial duress.
  • Notable quote: "I would rather, like, use a piece of tin foil, something unique than... my ex wife's wedding ring to propose." (00:57, Host B)

2. Speculation and Predictions (02:44 – 03:42)

• Hosts debate whether Michelle will give the ring back or not.
• Financial considerations come into play: Michelle owes her ex for overpaid child support — could the ring settle this debt?
  • Some hosts urge holding onto the ring to pass down to her daughters.
  • Notable: “She really felt strongly about keeping those rings as a symbol of their marriage that at one time was happy to pass down to her kids.” (03:04, Host A)

3. Michelle’s Update: Her Solution (03:45 – 07:48)

• Michelle’s Compromise: She meets her ex and offers a compromise — he gets the diamonds, she keeps the ring setting/band.
  • “You can have the diamonds inside the ring, but I want the rest of it back, okay?” (04:00, Michelle)
  • The ex’s girlfriend is reportedly “cool with it.”
• Legal Considerations: Michelle’s stepmother (a paralegal) will draft a document ensuring that, in exchange for the ring’s diamond, the debt is considered paid and any future claims are voided.
  • “If he says, ‘I don’t want to do that,’ I’ll say, ‘Oh, sorry, no deal.’” (06:19, Michelle)
• Sentimental Value: Michelle wants the setting for potential future use by her daughters: “They just love looking at those pictures.” (06:35, Michelle)
• Hosts commend her for a smart, balanced compromise.

4. Practical Advice: Handling the Diamond (07:48 – 08:37)

• Hosts urge Michelle to control the process: have a jeweler remove the diamond so she keeps the setting and the ex doesn’t “lose” it.
  • “I think I’d take that diamond out myself.” (07:48, Host B)
  • “Drop it off to a jeweler, and then he can pick the diamond up at the jeweler and you pick up the setting.” (07:51, Host C)
  • Appraise and certify the diamond for transparency.
• Notable: “You put that in his hands, it’s gone.” (08:08, Host B)

5. Listener Call-Ins: Real-Life Ring Re-Use Stories (09:23 – 18:32)

a. Robin’s Story (09:28 – 13:20)

• Recycled Engagement: Robin’s ex-fiancé proposes with his previous fiancée’s ring, who happens to be Robin’s patient at her OB-GYN office.
• The ex-fiancée identifies the ring during a blood draw, leading to major embarrassment.
  • “You know, that was my ring.” (11:02, Robin relaying ex’s words)
  • “I wanted to die. It was embarrassing.” (12:06, Robin)
• Robin gives the ring back and breaks up with her fiancé after he tries to gaslight her.

b. Sydney’s Story (13:27 – 15:30)

• Accepting the Ex’s Ring: Sydney’s husband gives her his ex-wife’s ring due to financial struggles while in school.
  • “I was just happy to get something I didn’t have to buy.” (15:17, Sydney)
• Sydney is unfazed by the ring’s history; some hosts argue they'd prefer any alternative over a reused ring.

c. Nicole’s Story (16:19 – 18:32)

• Club Confrontation: Nicole’s ex-fiancé gives her a ring he previously gave another woman. The ex confronts Nicole in a club, causing a scene.
  • “She comes running over, grabs my hand... ‘This is my ring! I can’t believe you gave this to her!’” (16:40, Nicole)
• Nicole had no idea and breaks up with her fiancé after learning about the recycled ring.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the Ex’s Request:
  “Having a conversation with him is like pulling teeth... I want to give it to her for Christmas.” – Michelle (01:46)
• On Recycled Rings:
  “I would rather, like, use a piece of tin foil, something unique than... my ex-wife’s wedding ring to propose.” – Host B (00:57)
• On Compromise:
  “At least I’m winning both ways... I can at least keep half the ring, and then he can take what he wants, and that cuts my debt.” – Michelle (05:29)
• On Legal Precaution:
  “I want to have my stepmother... write something up that looks all legal and stuff, saying that... in exchange for the wedding ring, the diamond... he will forego every penny that I owe him.” – Michelle (05:55)
• Listener Embarrassment:
  “I was drawing her blood, and she actually said, you know, that was my ring. And it was very embarrassing because... my coworkers are all there.” – Robin (11:02)
• On Being Practical:
  “I was happy to be with him... and I was just happy to get something I didn’t have to buy.” – Sydney (15:17)
• On Dramatic Reveal:
  “This girl like... screamed out ‘Hell no’ in the middle of the club... tries to fight me in the middle of the club trying to take my ring off.” – Nicole (16:31–16:50)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Michelle’s Original Story Recap: 00:04 – 02:44
• Hosts’ Predictions: 02:44 – 03:42
• Michelle’s Update/Resolution: 03:45 – 07:48
• Advice on Handling the Diamond: 07:48 – 08:37
• Robin’s Call (Ex Exposes Ring at Work): 09:28 – 13:20
• Sydney’s Call (Husband’s Ex-Wife’s Ring): 13:27 – 15:30
• Nicole’s Call (Club Confrontation): 16:19 – 18:32

Summary and Takeaways

• Compromise is possible: Michelle navigated between sentiment, financial obligation, and practicality, finding an outcome that balances all interests.
• Recycled rings spark strong feelings: Among show hosts and listeners, the concept of using a ring from a previous relationship ranges from “no big deal” to “absolutely not.”
• Transparency matters: As illustrated by the listener stories, surprise or dishonesty about ring histories can lead to embarrassment and relationship trouble.
• Protecting your assets: The hosts encourage getting everything in writing and handling all exchanges through professionals (jewelers, legal documents).
• Listeners relate: The phone lines light up with similar—and often more dramatic—stories, reinforcing the universality of relationship challenges and the audience’s willingness to engage.

The Bert Show delivers another episode blending honesty, humor, and real-life drama, inviting listeners to weigh in and share their own jaw-dropping experiences over one man’s thrifty (and perhaps tactless) proposal plan.